First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1inward
adjective in·ward \ˈin-wərd\
: of or relating to a person's mind or spirit
: directed or moving toward the inside of something
Full Definition of INWARD
1
: situated on the inside : inner
2
a : of or relating to the mind or spirit <inward peace> b : absorbed in one's own mental or spiritual life : introspective
3
: marked by close acquaintance : familiar
4
: directed toward the interior
See inward defined for English-language learners
See inward defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of INWARD
Middle English, from Old English inweard (akin to Old High German inwert), from in + -weard 1-ward
2inward
adverb \-wərdz\
: toward the inside of something
: toward the mind or spirit
Full Definition of INWARD
1
: toward the inside, center, or interior
2
: toward the inner being
See inward defined for English-language learners
Variants of INWARD
inward or in·wards \-wərdz\
First Known Use of INWARD
before 12th century
3inward
noun
Definition of INWARD
1
: something that is inward
2
in·wards \ˈin-ərdz, -wərdz\ plural : innards
First Known Use of INWARD
before 12th century
INWARDS Defined for Kids
1inward
adjective in·ward \ˈin-wərd\
Definition of INWARD for Kids
1
: toward the inside or center <an inward curve>
2
: of or concerning the mind or spirit <He felt inward joy.>
2inward
adverb \-wərdz\
Definition of INWARD for Kids
1
: toward the inside or center <The door opens inward.>
2
: toward the mind or spirit <I turned my thoughts inward.>
Variants of INWARD
inward or in·wards \-wərdz\
Learn More About INWARD
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: inward divePrevious Word in the Dictionary: inwall All Words Near: inward
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up inward? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).